Examining the Effectiveness of Farmer Input Support Program in Improving Agricultural Productivity Among Small-Scale Farmers: A Case Study of Kanakantapa Ward, Chongwe District

This study examined the effectiveness of the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) in improving agricultural productivity among small-scale farmers in Kanakantapa Ward, Chongwe District. The study was guided by three specific objectives: to assess the level of participation of small-scale farmers in FISP, to examine the influence of FISP on crop yields, and to identify the limitations and challenges faced by farmers in accessing and benefiting from the programme. A descriptive research design was employed, using quantitative and qualitative approaches to collect and analyse data from small-scale farmers in the study area.

The findings revealed that participation in FISP was relatively high, with 62% of respondents actively enrolled in the programme, while 38% were either inactive or excluded. In terms of agricultural productivity, 54% of respondents reported increased crop yields after receiving FISP inputs, whereas 31% indicated no significant change, and 15% experienced reduced yields. Despite these improvements, the effectiveness of the programme was constrained by several challenges. The study found that 67% of respondents received insufficient input allocations, and 72% reported delays in input distribution beyond the optimal planting period, which negatively affected productivity outcomes. Additionally, 60% of farmers experienced difficulties in accessing registration services, while 64% lacked sufficient financial capacity to complement subsidised inputs.

The study concludes that although FISP contributes positively to improving access to agricultural inputs and enhancing productivity among some farmers, its overall effectiveness is limited by input inadequacy, delayed distribution, accessibility barriers, digital system challenges, and socio-economic constraints. The study recommends timely distribution of inputs, increased input allocations, improved accessibility of e-FISP services, strengthened extension support, and enhanced transparency in beneficiary selection to improve programme effectiveness.